Oxygen mask



Jan. 7, 1958 A. M. RUSSELL OXYGEN MASK 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 vFiled Aug. 7, 1952 INVENTOR. AL LAN M. PUSSELL H/s ArroE/VEY A. M. RUSSELL OXYGEN MASK '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 7, 1952 INVENTOR. ALL A N M. RUSSELL H/s ATTORNEY Jan. 7, 1958 A. M. RUSSELL.

OXYGEN MASK Filed Aug. 7, 1952 JNVENToR. l ALLA/V M EUSSELL [y df H/ A TTOBNEY Jan. 7, 1958 A. M. RUSSELL 2,818,861

OXYGEN MASK Filed Aug. 7, 1952 '7 Sheets-Sheeil 5 IN V EN TOR. AMA/V M. ,Passa/ Jan. 7, 1958 Filed Aug. 7, 1952 A. M. RUSSELL 2,818,861

OXYGEN MASK INVENTOR. 4A/v M. Pa/JJELL Yy-@W Hfs .A free/VFY Jan. 7, 1958 A. M. RUSSELL 2,818,861

OXYGEN MASK Filed Aug. 7. 1952 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENToR.

OXYGEN MASK Allan M. Russell, Shaker Heights, Ohio Application August 7, 1952, Serial No. 303,030

Claims. (Cl. 12S-205) This invention pertains to oxygen masks, and more particularly to an improved oxygen mask of the continuous ow type, and is a continuation in part of my copending application, Ser. No. 222,086, filed April 2l, 1951 and now abandoned. p

Masks to cover the mouth and nose for supplying oxygen to the wearer, have been well known for some time. Such masks are used primarily by aviators who will fly at altitudes where the atmosphere is of a density which will not support human life, or at least where the senses are dulled.V lf additional oxygen can be supplied at these altitudes, a full or nearly full efficiency may be maintained.

Various types of masks adapted to cover the nose alone, or the nose and mouth, to supply oxygen to an aviator have been used. In general, at rst these masks were primarily concerned with the mechanical process of bringing oxygen to the breathing passages and removing the exhaled gases, the comfort of the wearer being a secondary consideration. Later, some refinements were made with the comfort factor of the user in mind. However, present masks are still heavy, cumbersome devices and frequently produce chafng where the edges of the mask contact the face. These disadvantages resulted largely because of the use of molded rubber in their construction. Such rubber is cured by the heat of the mold and is therefore hardened somewhat. It is also inherent in molded rubber articles for the rubber to be of not less than a certain thickness which results in a mask that is actually heavier than is necessary. The end result was that the prior masks were so uncomfortable that they distracted the attention of the wearer at a time when his full attention was needed elsewhere, and frequently resulted in their removal at times when they should not have been removed. t

By my invention, I provide a mask fully if not more eilicient than prior devices, yet more comfortable because of its lighter weight and softer material. The mask is also less expensive to manufacture. Because of its construction, it is considerably easier to store and/or carry. The cheapness of manufacture is such that the masks may be disposable, if desired. These advantages are gained by the formation of the mask made by, but not restricted in its fabrication to, a dipping process from a material, such as latex rubber, that preferably does not change its ilexibility with changes in the temperature. Rigidity is obtained by the placement of certain valves, and adjusts-.bility to various facial characteristics, by use of malleable bridges across the nasal and chin section. Because of the construction and the placement of the valves, it is even possible for persons wearing the masks to carry on a limited conversation without removal thereof. The more highly flexible parts, particularly the integral thinner inner flap part, are so constructed that the actual use thereof causes the parts to conform to certain facial irregularities, thus making the mask universal and a more perfect t for divers persons. i

Of particular interest is the fact that the placement of 2,8 l 8,86 l Patented Jan. 7, 1958 the valves and the reinforcements enable a much thinner, softer, and more flexible material to be used, which enables the material to cling to and conform to the facial contours, providing a good comfortable seal and still allow certain parts, particularly around the nostrils and mouth, to be held away and provide least interference with their normal functions.

Although the use described has been in the eld of aviation, another, and one of the principal uses, will be that of oxygen therapy. Obviously, such uses may be in hospitals and private institutions, as well as aviation, where it 'can be used to administer mixtures of gases other than pure oxygen.

A more complete understanding of my invention may be acquired by reference to the following description and figures which form a part of this application.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational View of the mask;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view along line 2 2 of Fig. l;y

Fig. 3 is a sectional View along line 3 3 of Fig. l;-

Fig. 4 is a rear elevational View of the mask;

Fig. 5 is a View partly in section showing an alternative form of mask;

Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is a View similar to Fig. l of a modified form thereof;

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are views of the mask of Fig. 7 responding to the Views of Figs. 2, 3 and 4.

Briefly, my invention comprises a unitary oxygen mask and re-breathing bag formed preferably oflatex rubber by a dipping process. The mask is Very soft and exible, particularly the inner face-engaging part, but is stiened at the cheeks by provision of inhalation and exhalation valves of a common construction in the proper location and is molded to the bridge of anyusers nose and chin by the provision of malleable wire bridgev members which may be easily bent by the wearer to lit any wearer. Wide marginal convex flanges enable a seal to be formed against the users face and may be trimmed to allow su'cient opening for the mouth and nose and avoid interference therewith.

More particularly, and referring to the figures, the mask-is composed of two principal parts; the face piece 10 and the reservoir re-breathing bag 11. These two parts are preferably formed integrally together and are joined by a flexible neck which is arched so as to position the bag away from the wearers clothing and still permit free bending movement of the bag relative to the face piece. The bag 11 is preferably of the iluted type and is provided with a tube 13 for connection to the oxygen supply system. This tube extends into the bag sufiiciently far to avoid stopping up of the end by the sides of the bag. Holes 14 in the tube 13 also assure an outlet of the tube into the bag. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the bag could be made detachable if desired.

The face piece lll is formed to provide an open sided chamber to receive the nose and mouth of the wearer. Across the upper or nasal section, a framework 15 vof malleable wire is provided. This frame or bridge is preferably a continuous loop of roughly triangular shape and surrounds the portion of the mask which would ordinarily cover the wearers nose. The frame 15 is completely embedded within the material of the mask, and the wearer is therefore free from any contact with the metal. By making the frame of a continuous loop, no free ends are provided which might wear or puncture the rubber or material of which the mask is made.

Immediately below the frame 15 on both sides, a pair of turrets 16 is provided, in each of which is disposed a y standard type rubber check valve 17. One of these is arranged for inhalation, and the other for exhalation, as

appears in Fig.' 3. These valves are relatively thick and are located in their illustrated positions for the purpose of adding stiffness to the face piece which is otherwise very soft and exible. It is envisioned, however, Fig. 5, that only an exhalation `valve could be used in which case` all inhaled air would come through the bag 1.1. This exhalation valve could be located in the center immediately above 4the neck 12 or preferably could be provided by using two valves as in the illustrated embodiment and simply turning both of them with the diaphragm portion 20 outwardly. This valve could also be a combination of exhala'tion and inhalation v'alve of which there are many known types. A

The neck 12 is also formed with a section 21 'of diminished size to receive a removable l'check valve, not shown, arranged to prevent exhaled gases from mixing with theyoxygen in the bag 11 when desirable. The valve is of such a resiliency that the oxygen is inhaled first and the outside air seconda'rily to provide the proper physiological balance. A

At the 'rear of the face piece 10 is formed a wide, thin, flexible flange 22 (Figs. 2, v3 'and '4) which extends from the periphery of the face piece inwardly, and in transverse section, is vgenerally convex toward the fac'e. T his flange is cut to delin'e an opening with which the oral arid nasal portions of 'the face 'may fit, the upper `portion 'at fthe 't'op 23 accommodating nthe wearers nose. The flange is `otherwise unbroken. Because of this `coinstruction, the flange 22 is effective to seal the vmask to the face without 'cutting olf the circulation and because of the manner of its use, the actual breathing causes the pressure 'on the face of the wearer to alternate between two extremes, further increasing the comfort and reliminating possibility of the structure interfering with the circulation `of blood "in the face. This is true because of the soft flexible material of which the mask is formed. Moreover, when the mask is moved on the face, the ange has a tendency to be deformed or to roll on the face rather than to slide as was the case with previous masks molded of rubber. Thus there is considerably less likelihood of chang with my new mask, both because of the material and the structure.

As can best be seen in Fig. 6, the ange is formed so that it bulges slightly toward the wearers nose at 40 which enables the ange to conform more readily to the wearers nose, since these portions contact and t`into the hollow portions in each side of the bridge of the wearers nose vpreventing leakage around these portions particularly in the area near the eyes. This flange may be ltrimmed where, desirable to avoid interference with the wearers nose and mouth. A

It will be apparent that, because of this structuregone mask can beV made that will conform to various facial contours without causing discomfort.

, The `mask is held on the wearers head by a pair of soft, resilient Vlatex rubber straps 25 having a series of holes Z6 adapted to be disposedover attaching buttons 27 pro vided at the ledges of the face piece. These buttons may bewmade from metal or other hard material as a form, completely covered in the dipping process by the materialof the mask. Use of the series `of holes along with theeasily stretched materialofn the vstraps 25 allows adjustment of the device tok almost any shape or size `of head. lThe arrangement of the buttons may be varied and the number decreased or increased as desired. p

vvAlthough the straps (Fig. l) are shownas beingsecuredl to the buttons through the end hole of thestfraps, a preferred method of securing the straps on the button consists of placing they strap onv thekbutt'ons by forcing one of the holes intermediate the ends over the buttonsand then folding the strap so Athat one of the other holesfpreferably the next adjacent hole, toward the .strap'ish opposite to and can beA forced'over the buttonl to 'prfcwifde a double thickness of strap material, around the "button, which results in a'loop on .the fr eeside of the strap, with thetag end extending back beybnd the'face of them'ask where it does not interfere with the wearers vision. The portion placed on the button last acts as a washer helping to prevent displacement of the strap from the button when it is stretched. Because of the above described construction, I am able to use a very exible head strap without fabric which also adds to the comfort of the wearer and effectiveness of the t.

As stated, the mask is preferably formed by a dipping process. That is, a mandrel of the proper shape is dipped the required number of times into liquid latex, each time adding a layer to the'thickness of the parts dipped. The inserts being applied between clippings enable them to be properly placed and wholly covered. Parts may be selectively dipped to provide different thicknesses. For example, the main body of lthe bag 11 is somewhat thinner than the face piece 10. The entire mask, however, is very soft and pliable because of the use of a dipped material rather than molded rubber. It is conceived, however, that soft pliable materials other than latex rubber might be used. Among such materials might be included various well-known flexible materials. Another material which might be used under certain conditions where the mask may be discarded, might be certain types of paper. These softer materials may be used in the mask principally because of the simplified form which is nonetheless suiciently rigid to keep its form when in use, and also because of the malleable frame which allows the wearer to adjust the nasal section to his own face.

An alternative form of mask is illustrated in Fig. 5. This mask utilizes thesame form of bag 11, having a neck 12 with a reduced section 21 for the insertion of a check valve 'if desired. The face piece 10 is also similar in that the wide flange 22 which presses against the wearers face connects to the facepiece in a smooth curved edge which will roll on the wearers face. A 'frame 15 is also provided in the nasal section `so that the mask may be fitted to the individual face. Instead of two valves, however, one for inhaling and one for exhaling, only a single valve 30 is provided inthis embodiment. This may be any of a well known type of valve, the one illustrated having an inner wall diaphragm 31 and an outer diaphragm 32 somewhat larger and perforated. Both of these diaphragms areof' soft ruhber or the like. On inhaling, the air presses through the perforations 33 of the outer diaphragm and opens it while the'outer diaphragm is held against-a seat in the outer `housing 34 of the valve. On exhaling, the larger outer diaphragm 32is raised oif its seat allowing the air'to-ow around the outer edges thereof.

VThis 'single valve, while providing vsomewhatV less stiffening than the two valves ofthe prior described embodiment, still provides enough rigidity to keep the mask operating and comfortable. In this, it is particularly assisted by the frame'lS because of its closer proximity thereto, as will be noted in Fig. 5.

Referring to Fig. 7 et seq., it will be noted that there are several departures'from the construction shown in Figs. l to 6,'although Vthe general advantages due to the construction are still retained. In this embodiment.- as can be seen by the drawings, the strap buttons l27 are positioned opposite the points of the wire members, so that the pull by the straps is distributed evenly over the upper zone by the malleable wire. This has an important effect, in that the mask may be secured more tightly and made of much lighter weight materials without any tendency toward distortion, particularly at the margin, due to the pull by the strap.

In this embodimenul preferably use two of the bendable malleable wire reinforcements. The one in the upper zone which may be shaped to conform to different nose contours, as previously described, and another member in the `chin zone which mayvalso be shaped to conform to different chin shapes by the wearer.

4In this case, the lower wire50 is provided being built into thestructureas previously'describedand' comprises a continuous loop, the lower side 51 of which"follo'ws the `renrved contour of the margin closely spaced from the edges and continuous around the marginr to a point 52` spaced below and to one side of the inlet and outlet valves and then curves back at 53 substantially parallel to but spaced from the lower section below the neck 12. The attaching buttons 27 are disposed opposite and close to the ends of the loops so that the strains of the straps are transmitted from the buttons to the loop and distributed in the area opposite the chin.

The buttons 27 and 27 are thus more widely separated than in the other embodiments. This enables a more even distribution ofthe forces exerted by the straps for holding the same in position.

In addition to the wider distribution and hence better holding, it will be noted that the stresses are exerted in two spaced apart zones, one over the nose and the other over the chin, which is facilitated by the placement of the buttons close to the extremities of the malleable inserts and which inserts assist in the distribution thereof. This in itself has a better sealing effect and still another advantage is realized in that less of the forces are applied to the area intermediate the two zones. The placing of the inserts in the two separate zones effectivelyprovides a hinging action which, during use enables a more or less independent movement of the upper and lower zones. In other words, the lower zone is freer to move without restraint from the upper zones and thus allows more freedom ofthe jaw and lip movements when talking. Due to this freedom of movement and the greater ability ofthe wearer to work his lower jaw, it lessens the strain when the maskis worn over longer periods 'of time.

Still another advantage resides in the fact that 'the term hinging action enables the mask to be folded into a much smaller packet. That is, the upper section may be folded down and the lower section folded up and the rebreather bag wrapped around the two-to make a small compact package which may be readily carried in the pocket of the user or stored.

In this embodiment, means is provided to deflect the outlet gases away from the wearers eyes, thuslpreventing steaming of his glasses and preventing disconcerting drafts into the eyes. This is effected by providingan integral shield 60 of half moon shape which extends from the upper periphery of the valve engaging flange 16 substantially diametrically across but spaced away from the valve. Exhaust air is deflected thereby in a downward direction.

In this instance, provision is made for the installation of a microphone, and comprises a pocket 65 formed in `theface between the valves. The pocket also opens` into theneck 12 opposite to the mouth of the wearer in order that the sensitive element 66 of the microphone may have ample clearance with the surrounding parts and be in a direct line with the voice. A tube 67 extends from the forward part of the packet for the microphonek conductors 68.

As can best be seen in Fig. l0, the face engaging flange 22 is substantially the same as is the preceding embodiment except that in place of the nose slot 23, the material is provided with an indentation 63 which may engage the upper part of the bridge of the nose. It also may be cut out as shown in Fig. 4 if desirable, but with the construction shown, there is less chance of the material being torn during installation or use.

By the structure of the foregoing invention, I am able to construct a simpler unbreakable mask having a minimum of components which may be worn for long periods of time with a minimum of discomfort to the wearer and wherein a greater freedom of movement is possible without chang the face of the wearer. The mask, because of the malleable reinforcements, may be bent to provide a better seal with the Wearers face and is thus adaptable to various persons having widely different facial contours. The reinforcements together with the placement of the rstrap'receiving buttons vdistribute the stressesover widely`l spaced but ndependentzones, allowing a certain freedom of movement between the upper and lower parts as well as permitting the same to be folded into a very small compactl package. It is also contemplated that the mask be made of a material that may be readily sterilized when desired, and because of the bag being integral with the face, the weaknesses inherent in this prior art are overcome because the neck of the bag does not need to be stretched over connecting tubes with resultant cracking or tearing that frequently occurs in time.

Having thus described my invention, I am aware that numerous and extensive departures may be made therefrom without departing from the spirit or scope of my invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A mask for the administration of a gas having a face piece formed of soft, pliable material, said face piece having a nasal section and an oral section, a malleable wire frame embedded in said material at said nasal section to stiifen said face piece, said frame being a wire-like substantially triangular loop of material disposed in the upper part of the mask having one portion following `the upper 4contour of the mask near the edge and the lower portion extending across the mask, said portions of the loop being bendable in different zones to conform to facial configurations of the wearer, said face piece being formed to provide a turret opening on each side of said oral section, check valves disposed in said openings to allow inhalation and exhalation, said valves thereby stiffening said oral section, and inlet means at said oral section to provide for the ingress of gas into said face piece.

2. A mask for the administration of a gas having a face piece formed of soft, pliable material, said face piece hav-y ing a nasal section and an `oral section, a malleable wire frame embedded in said material at said nasal section to stien said face piece, said frame being a wire-like loop of material disposed in the upper part of the mask having one portion following the upper lcontour of the mask near the edge, and the lower portion extending across the mask, said portions being bendable in different Zones to conform to facial congurations of the wearer, and inlet means at said oral section to provide for the ingress of gas into said face piece. q

3. A mask for the administration of a gas having a face piece formed of soft, pliable material, said face piece having a nasal section and an oral section, a malleable wire frame embedded in said material at said nasal section to stiifen said face piece, said frame being of triangular formation and disposed in the upper part of the mask having lone portion following the upper contour of the mask near the edge, and the lower portion extending across the mask, said portions being bendable in different zones to conform to facial configurations of the wearer, and to lit the wearers nose, said face piece being formed to provide a turret `opening `on each side of said oral section, check valves disposed in said openings to allow inhalation and exhalation of air, said valves thereby stiffening said oral section, and inlet means at said oral section to provide for the ingress of gas into said face piece.

4. A mask for the administration of a gas comprising a face portion formed of soft, pliable material and providing an upper nasal section and a lower oral section, a malleable wire frame embedded in the material of said nasal section and being of a material which may be bent to lit the contour of a wearers nose and reinforcing the mask in said nasal section, a second malleable wire frame embedded in the material of said mask in the oral section and bendable t-o t the contour of a wearers chin and reinforcing the chin section, the mask intermediate said sections being flexible to permit independent movement of said sections.

S. A mask for the administration of a gas comprising a face portion formed to provide a chamber the walls of which are of soft, pliable material, said chamber providing an upper nasal section and a lower oral section, a

malleable wire fr-ame :embedded :in the material :of :said nasal section and being Y of a material --which tmay' be .bent to f-lt the :contour i of f a '.wearers 1 nose y 'and 'reinforcing :the mask: insaidr'nasal4 section and comprising. fawire-likeeendlessz yloop having-one f portion f following the= uppercontour near ,the' e'dge and a. lower parttjoiningttheiupperpartfto form apexes therewith adjacent the extremities `iof :the up'per partgpast andrextending Eacrossfthe,mask,l ae;second malleable '-wire frame embedded in fthe :material t of: said mask in the oral sectionlandabendable#to-littthecontour of "-a wearerfs Schin @and reinforcing 1 the chin i section Vand comprisingfa wire-like endless lloop having-:one ,portion` following the lower 'conto-ur near theiedgetandfahfupper part forming apexes iwithsaid lower pai'trattheen-ds oithe upper part and extended across the mask, the maskzi'ntermed-iatervsaidsectionsi being: iie'x-ible togpermits independent movement of said: sections. p

\'6. :'A mask. vfor the 'administrationzoffa gas: comprising af vface-,portionformed tos provide ra ct-.lztamberY the-WallsV of which: are of Jsoft, .pliable material, `Vsaid: chamber, providing an'uppernasal section landfalower oral section, Ia malleable wire zframe embedded in ythe'rnaterial.-oi: said nasalseetion and-*being of a material which may be* bent vto litl the contour fof La 'wearers '-nose=and `reinforeinggthe mask in` said nasal 'isection and comprising Ya wire-like -endless loop havingf'ones portion. following the upper contour- -near the edge fand :a lower :part: joining the nppe'ripart to-Vform apexes. therewith iadjacent the-extremities of uthe :upper part andfexte'nding zacrossithe maskwa: second-'malleable ywire frame embedded .int the materialwof'saidmask` in: :the oral section .and vbendable to tY the rcont'ouriof aiwearens chin and reinforcing the chin sectionandf-comprisinga wirelike endless loop having `one portion folloWingt-he'lower contour near the edge and an upper .part forminggapexes with said. lower part at the. ends of the'lowergpartand extendedacross the mask, the mask intermediate saidsections being flexible to permit independent movement of said sections, and securing-meansk for said mask including members disposed in the mask at said apexes and-.arranged to have vhead straps vsecured thereto.

7. A mask for the administration of a .gas comprising a face'lportion formed to lprovide achamber the walls Yof which are of soft, pliable material, theaiperipheryfof said mask being formed witha rthinullexible' face engaging portion 'of material breadth, the `inner edge offsaid flange dening an opening for free access `with saidioral and nasal passages and being curved transversely to providera convex zone for engagement with the face adapted to conform to the face ydue to the difference yin :pressure between theinterior and exterior, said chamber providing anupper nasal section ,and a lower oral ysectioma malleable wire frameembedded in the material of said nasal section and beingfof a material which may be bent to lit the contour of a'wearers nose and reinforcing the mask Iinsaicl nasal section and comprising a wire-like endless ioop'having onerportion following the upper contour near the edge anda lower part joining the upperV part adjacent the extremities of the upper part and extending across the mask, a second malleable wire -frame embedded-in the material of said mask in the oral section and bendable to ht the contour of a wearers chin and reinforcing the chin section and comprising a 'wirelike endless loop having one portion following the lower contour near the-edge and an upper partengaging said lower part at the ends of thc lower part-and extended across the mask, the mask intermediate -said sections being exible lto permit independent movement of said sections and securing means for said mask including members disposed inthe material at the mask close to and opposite to the joining parts `of said frames 4and arranged to have head straps secured thereto.

8. A mask for the administration of a gas having a face pieceformed of soft, pliable material, said face piece having-a nasal sectioniand an oral section,a'malleablewire frame embedded insaid material at saidnasal section to stillen said yface piece, saidA frame being a wire-like loop ofamateri-alfdisposed inthe ,upper part of themask having one portion followingthe upper contour of the mask, near the edge and the; lower'p'ortion extending across Ithennask, said portions :of thefloop'being bendable in'dilerent zo'nes tofconform-.to facial contigurations of the wearersaid face-piece being formedtoprovidea turret opening on eachsside of` saidaoralsection,.cheek valves disposed in said openingsto-allow inhalation-and exhalation of gaseous fluids, deflection means for-atleast one-of said openings -comprising an integral `shield extending over and covering atleast an 'uppery portion :of saidcheck valve.

I9. `Ak-.mask for the administration of agas 'having `a face piece formed lof soft, pliable material, ,said face piece having al-nasal section `and Ian ,oral section, aimalleable wideframefembedded in said material at ,said nasalsection tofstiien said face piece, said frame being ;a wire-like loop of materialrdisposed in the vup'per part of vthe mask having one portion rfollowing the upper contour of the-mask ynear the vedge iandrthe. lower .portion extending across the mask, said portions of the loop beingbendable in different zones toconformrtozfacial configurations yof the wearer, said lfacepiece being formedto provide a turret opening on eachf-sideaoffsaid oral section, check valves disposed 2in said openings to .allow inhalation and exhalation of gaseonsrlluids,fdeection means for at least one'of said openings comprising an integral shield extending over and covering at leastthe lupper half of said check valve-said deliec'tionmeans being flexible and in spaced` relation 'to said .,valve.

.11;0. Amaskffor :theadministration'of al gas lhaving a face piece for'medof soft, pliablematerialfsaid face piece having-.ia nasals'se'ctionfiand an-oral section, 'a malleable wireframe embedded insaidmaterialat said nasal section to-stilenli said-face piece,- said rramelbeingl a 'wire-likef loop of Lr'rllterial-ldisposed-Finthe-upper A-pa'rt o'f the/'mask having one fportionfllowingfthe upper 'contour tolf the mask nearfth'e-edg'e land the lower-portion extending across the mask, said portions of the'loop"being7bendable'in-differer'enbzones to yconform' to :facial conligurations of the wearer;saif face-piecebeing formed to providea turret opening onteach 'side' of said oral section, 'check vvalves disposed insaid-Xopenings to kallow inhalation and exhalation of gaseous'flids, Adeflectiorrrneans lfor the check valve 'controlling the exhalation of gaseous uid comprising an integral-shield ,extending `over and covering the upper half lof said'opening Vsaid deflection 'means being flexible and in spaced relation to the outer face of said valve f or directingtthegexhaled gaseous uid away from the eyes ofthe-*wearerof the mask. i

'11. A=mask"for"the administration of a gas comprising a face "po'rtionformed of soft,'pliable material providing an upper nasal sectionland a lower oral section, a malleable wrr'e frame'cbrnprising an endless wire loop embedded wholly withinthematerial of said maskin a predetermined positionandibeing of'a material which may be bent to t the contours yof certain parts ofthe wearersfface and reinforc1n'g"th'ejmask `in said predetermined portion, said fra'mebeing -inthenasal section and bendable to fit the contours of the 'wearers nose.

`I2. A maskfor-'the administrationzof a gas comprising a faceportionformed of soft,.pliable.materialproviding an upper "nasal section anda lowerioral section, a malleable wire frame comprising an endless wiretl'oopcmbedded wholly within thermaterial .of said mask in .a.predeter minedpositionandbeing of a material which may be bent to't the'contours of certain parts of the ywearers face reinforcing themask in .said predetermined position, saidframe being in the oral section` and bendable -to it the wearer?s,.chin.

`,13. mask for the` administration of oxygen or other gasy includinga generally concavofconvexgportion ofiiexible imperviousy material for= covering the oraln and Knasal v passages. `and having stiffening :means embedded wholly within the` material ,forv holding .thesame` .away rfromy the face of a wearer, the periphery of said mask being formed with an inwardly extending face engaging portion comprising a thin highly flexible wide flange, the inner extremity of said ange dening an opening for free access with said oral and nasal passages, said ange being curved transversely to provide a convex zone portion for engagement with the face and having a wide face contacting portion adapted to engage and conform with irregularities of the face, the thinness of the ange being such that the difference in gas pressure between the interior and exterior holds the flange against the face and permits it to conform to the face without sliding upon movement of the mask relative to the face, said stijening means being a malleable wire frame in the oral section and bendable to t the contours of the wearers chin and reinforcing the chin section.

14. A mask for the administration of a gas having a face piece formed of soft, pliable material, said face piece having a nasal section and an oral section, a malleable wire frame embedded in said material at said nasal section to stiien said face piece, said frame being a wirelike loop yof material disposed in the upper part of the mask having one portion following the upper contour of the mask near the edge, and the lower portion extending across the mask, said portions being bendable in dii-ferent zones to conform to facial configurations of the wearer, said face piece being formed to provide a turret opening on at least one side of said oral section, and a check valve disposed in said openings to allow exhalation, said valve thereby stiiening said oral section, and inlet means at said oral section to provide for the ingress of gas into said face piece.

l5. A mask for the administration of a gas comprising a face portion of soft, pliable material providing a nasal and an oral section, stiening means comprising at least one endless malleable wire loop embedded wholly within the material of said mask, said stilening means being positioned in the oral and nasal sections reinforcing the mask in such sections and being bendable to conform to conguration-s of the wearers nose and chin.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 403,966 Smith May 28, 1899 1,292,096 Schwartz Jan. 21, 1919 2,070,241 Schwartz Feb. 9, 1937 2,336,979 Boothby Dec. 14, 1943 2,371,965 Lehmberg Mar. 20, 1945 2,578,621 Yant Dec. 11, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 379,381 Great Britain Sept. 1, 1932 

